Regional News of Monday, 15 December 2003
Source: GNA
Agona Swedru (C/R), Dec 15, GNA - Mr Steve Asamoah Boateng, Deputy Minister of Information, has cautioned radio presenters to use the airwaves to educate the masses on national issues.
He said, "some presenters use the opportunity at their disposal to create confusion and chaos instead of educating the populace on policies and programmes to move the nation forward".
Inaugurating the Golden Star FM at Agona Swedru, in the Central Region, Mr Asamoah Boateng said the government's acceptance to give the Ghana Frequency Board more chance to offer individuals the opportunity to open radio stations was to ensure that democracy thrived, in the country.
He noted that it was also to enable people in the rural areas to have access to radio to speak their minds on national issues.
The Deputy Minister urged presenters to desist from acts that would fan conflicts and incite people against others, adding that, the nation could only see socio-economic advancement in an atmosphere of peace. He advised them to be cautious, decent, courteous and "you should not think that you are above everybody in the town, which can make the station unpopular".
Mr Samuel Obodai, MP Agona West, described information dissemination as a major factor in growing economies and said "lack of proper and good information to the people creates confusion, anarchy and chaos within the society".
He advised broadcasters to be objective and investigative considering the sensitive nature of their work.
Mr Obodai noted that the establishment of the Golden Star FM was one his campaign promises and would offer an opportunity for the people to contribute to important national issues.
The MP called on Ghanaians to be grateful to the government for promoting Freedom of Expression, which had led to the establishment of FM stations throughout the country.